Newtown Quakers to Discuss Caring for Planet Earth

Kathy Harr is clerk of the Peace and Service Committee, and Jasmine Spence is a member of the Worship and Ministry Committee. The full topic of the discussion is: “The Spiritual Dimensions of Protecting, Sharing, and Caring For Our Natural Resources on Planet Earth.”

Spence said, “The focus of the class will be for individuals to view the present state of the environment through the lens  of their personal spirituality.  Attendees will have the opportunity to share their responses to three guiding questions in small groups, using a worship share format.  All are welcome to participate!”

Spence and Harr have been inspired by the environmental activist organization, 350.org, founded by Bill McKibben, best selling author and scholar in residence at Middlebury College.    They are in the process of initiating a Bucks County chapter of 350.org.


Harr explained that, “350.org is a grassroots global movement dedicated to solving the climate crisis through initiatives aimed at reducing the levels of  CO2 in our atmosphere to below 350 parts per million, the level scientists say is a safe upper limit for carbon dioxide.  Currently that number is at a shocking 400 parts per million and continues to rise, the results of which we are all witnessing in melting glaciers, rising seas, and extreme weather events around the globe.” 


Newtown Friends Meeting, is open to the public, with Sunday School classes for children and adults at 9:45 a.m. and worship based on expectant silence “after the manner of Friends” at 11 a.m.  Childcare is provided.